Software The electronic instructions that govern a computer’s actions to provide a computing service. Today it’s more important than ever to learn about the apps available, how they work, and how they are created. In this section: Software Development, System Software, Application software and Managing software. Links: 10 Best Android Apps Concepts > Software

Software Development The systematic process of transforming a software idea into functional software. In this section: Computer Programming, Programming Languages and Application Programming Interface (API) Links: How to Make an iPhone 5 App in Xcode 4.5 Concepts > Software > Software Development

Computer Programming or Coding The process of creating software through the use of logic, algorithms, and programming languages. Computer programming, has become a valuable skill in many professions. It teaches logical thinking and problem solving; useful skills no matter what your profession. Computer programming has gotten substantially easier over the years, making it increasingly accessible to people in every profession. Links: Video: What Most Schools Don't Teach Concepts > Software > Software Development > Computer Programming

Programming Languages A set of symbols, commands, and rules (syntax) used to write program code. Programming languages automate the tedious process of creating the detailed step-by-step machine instructions used in software. This language has transformed the programming process from tedious labor to a creative intellectual endeavor for problem solving. Links: Video: Computer Programming for Beginners Concepts > Software > Software Development > Programming Languages

Application Programming Interface (API) A set of programming tools specifically designed for developing apps for a particular platform. An API allows others besides the manufacturer to develop software to run on the system or device. APIs provide users with a rich variety of software and provide an opportunity for less experienced programmers to make valuable software contributions. Bullet 2 modified Links: Video: Developing Apps for iPhone Concepts > Software > Software Development > Application Programming Interface (API)

Software Development Terms Software development life cycle (SDLC) Computer programming Program code Computer programmers/coders Software engineers Integrated development environment (IDE) Programming languages Syntax Object-oriented programming (OOP) Objects Source code Object code Compiler Interpreter Application programming interface (API) Software development kit (SDK) Concepts > Software > Software Development > See your eBook for more information about these terms

System Software Software that coordinates the activities of the hardware and assists the computer in functioning safely, effectively, and efficiently. In this section: Boot Process, Operating System, User Interface, File Management, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Virtual Machine Software, Mobile Operating Systems, Industrial Operating Systems, Embedded O[erating Systems and Utility Software. Links: Video: Setting up face unlock - Samsung GALAXY S3 Concepts > Software > System Software

Boot Process Also known as booting, booting up, or bootstrapping, is the sequence of instructions in the BIOS. It is executed when a computer is powered on to check the system and load the operating system into memory. When computers are powered off, all instructions are cleared from the CPU and memory. When powered back on, there are no instructions available in the CPU or memory to execute. The boot process instructions are part of the BIOS (the basic input/output system), which is burned into ROM rather than stored electronically so that it is always ready for the processor to execute when the computer—server, PC, smartphone, or tablet—is powered on. Links: Video: MacBook Pro: Boot Up, ... Concepts > Software > System Software > Boot Process

Operating System A set of computer programs that runs or controls the computer hardware, and acts as a user interface. The operating system plays a central role in the functioning of any computer system. Operating systems run on most digital devices. The operating systems also provides networking functionality. Links: Video: Mac vs PC vs Linux #1 Concepts > Software > System Software > Operating System

User Interface Allows one or more people to have access to and command of a computer system or computer software. One of the most important functions of any operating system is providing a user interface. It defines the computing experience for the user. Links: Video: BlackBerry Flow & Peek Video: Ubuntu for Phones vs Android Jelly Bean Concepts > Software > System Software > User Interface

File Management The physical and logical storage system and practices provided for managing data on a computer. Mac OS X provides several options for viewing files, including “cover flow,” which provides a preview of the file contents. When you save a file to a hard drive or flash drive, store it in the cloud, or burn it to a CD or DVD, the operating system finds space on the device to store the file in an efficient manner and records the location so the file can be accessed later. Maintaining an organized file system makes it easy to find files and information. Links: Windows 8: Managing Your Files and Folders Concepts > Software > System Software > File Management

Microsoft Windows & Windows Phone The Microsoft Windows platform includes the Microsoft Windows OS for PCs and tablets and Windows Phone for smartphones. Microsoft Windows runs on roughly 91 percent of all personal computers. The latest version of Windows provides a single platform across all devices, altering features to suit the device. Since Windows is by far the dominant OS and is found in most business environments, it is useful for everyone to be fluent in its use. Links: Video: Windows 8 Demo Concepts > Software > System Software > Microsoft Windows

Apple Mac OS and IOS The native operating systems for Apple PCs and mobile devices, respectively. The Mac OS has gained popularity as Mac computers have grown in market share. The most recent version of the Mac OS is called OS X (10.10) Yosemite, and it is competitive with Windows 10 in terms of performance and capabilities. Mac users prefer OS X over Windows because of its ease of use and relative smooth and safe operation. Links: Windows 8: Managing Your Files and Folders Concepts > Software > System Software > Mac OS

Google Chrome and Android Operating systems that extend over phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, wearable devices, TV, and autos. Android is the most popular mobile OS, controlling around 85 percent of the global smartphone market and 46 percent of the global tablet market. Android’s open and free architecture is popular with many users on a budget. Its market share has attracted developers who are interested in selling more apps. Concepts > Software > System Software > Mobile Operating Systems

Linux A free, open-source operating system for PCs, servers, and other types of computers. Linux owns a small percentage of the PC operating system market but is mostly popular with technically inclined individuals, with users looking for free and open-source software, and with some corporations. Linux is growing in popularity as a lightweight and inexpensive operating system for mobile computing devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Links: Video: Linux vs Windows Video: Ubuntu Touch is a touch of class Concepts > Software > System Software > Linux

Virtual Machine Software (virtualization software) Allows one operating system to run on top of another by creating a virtual machine on which the guest operating system can run. It can allow Windows to run on a Mac, and practically any OS to run on any other. Parallels Desktop VM and VMware are other popular virtual machine software packages. Because of the amount of resources required for two operating systems to run simultaneously, VM software is most successful when run on more powerful PCs. Links: Video: Seamless Windows 8 on Mac Concepts > Software > System Software > Virtual Machine Software

Industrial Operating Systems Control large networked systems and servers. Industrial computers operate in a much more complex manner than PCs and require an operating system that can manage multiple processors- sometimes hundreds or even thousands of processors- and many users. Companies that manufacture the systems, such as IBM and Oracle, typically design and provide the operating system with the hardware. Concepts > Software > System Software > Industrial Operating Systems

Embedded Operating Systems Hardwired into a computer component, such as ROM or flash memory, to control a special-purpose computer. Because embedded systems are developed for specific tasks, they can be optimized more easily, which increases reliability and performance, and reduces size and cost. Concepts > Software > System Software > Embedded Operating Systems

Utility Software A software, besides the OS, that assists in maintaining, managing, and protecting computer system resources. Utility software helps keep computers running smoothly and safely. With operating systems growing more complex and risks associated with Internet-connected computers increasing, utilities are more important than ever before. Links: Video: How to Clean Your Registry with CCleaner Concepts > Software > System Software > Utility Software

System Software Terms System software Software platform Boot process Operating system (OS) Multitask Device driver User interface (UI) Command-based user interface Graphical user interface (GUI) File management Logical view Physical view File system New technology file systems (NTFS) Microsoft Windows Mac OS Linux Linux distributions/distros Virtual machine (VM) Mobile operating systems Industrial operating systems Embedded operating systems Real-time operating system (RTOS) Utility software Concepts > Software > System Software > See your eBook for more information about these terms

Apps, Desktop, Mobile, and Web Programs written to perform tasks or solve problems for people, groups, and organizations on PCs and mobile devices. In this section: Business Software, Personal Software and Mobile Apps. Concepts > Software > Apps, Desktop, Mobile, and Web

Office Suites Software collections that include a word processor, a spreadsheet app, presentation software, and sometime database and other useful software. Office suites are the most common type of software used at work, school, and home. Common uses are recording ideas (word processing), making calculations (spreadsheet), creating graphic depictions (presentation), and organizing information (database). These apps provide many useful functions for many different situations.. Links: Video: Imagination's story Concepts > Software > Application Software > Business Software

Information Apps Useful information on a variety of topics. The Internet provides seemingly limitless amounts of information on every topic. Some information is more useful than others. For this purpose, apps have been developed to deliver valued information on demand. Links: Video: Google Now - Boarding pass card Concepts > Software > Application Software > Information Software

Communication Apps Support communication between people and groups through text, voice, and video. The Internet supports all kinds of communication between people. There have been many apps developed to support forms of communication. Learning about the communication apps available provides many options for staying close and connected to others. Skype is a popular app for communicating via video, voice, and text. Links: Video: Microsoft Lync 2013 - Commercial Concepts > Software > Application Software > Communication Software

Creativity Apps Apps that are used for enjoyable leisure time activities, including listening to music; watching TV, videos, and movies; reading books and magazines; and playing games. Creating items of value like art, music, video, and even software used to create software. Apple’s GarageBand app includes guitar lessons that allow you to play along; it even corrects your mistakes. Links: Apple GargageBand Concepts > Software > Application Software > Creativity Software

Personal Information Apps Assist people in managing their personal lives, including their contacts, calendar, to-do list, health, and money. New software has emerged to assist people with all aspects of their personal, at-home lives. Two growth areas in personal information management software are financial software and health software. These have arisen in parallel with new hardware technologies. Concepts > Software > Application Software > Personal Software

Entertainment Apps Used for enjoyable leisure time activities, including listening to music; watching TV, videos, and movies; reading books and magazines; and playing games. Xbox SmartGlass turns your mobile phone or tablet into a second screen that intelligently interacts with your Xbox to elevate your entertainment experience. Links: Video: Prizefight - Roku Streaming Stick vs. Google's Chromecast Concepts > Software > Application Software > Entertainment Software

Professional Apps General-purpose, custom apps required for use at work. Software designed for more specific activities, such as project management, graphics design, and customer management are used depending on the responsibilities. Employees of large corporations often use custom-designed software on their computers and mobile devices to access and manipulate corporate data. Concepts > Software > Application Software > Professional Software

Application Software Terms Collaborative software Gadget/widget Business software Software suite Personal software Mobile software/apps Concepts > Software > Application Software > See your eBook for more information about these terms

Managing Software Activities required to acquire, install, maintain, and remove software from a computer system. Computers and mobile devices are only as useful as the software that runs on them. To get maximum benefits of a mobile phone, tablet, or PC, users should research software that will be most useful to their lifestyle, interests, and activities. Selecting and managing software is one of the most important responsibilities of a computer user. In this section: Acquiring Software, Software Licensing, Installing Software, Maintaining Software and Uninstalling Software. Concepts > Software > Managing Software

Acquiring Software Methods by which software can be purchased or accessed, including packaged software, downloaded software, cloud apps, and custom designed software. Today’s PC users typically use both installed software and apps accessed on the Web. Links: Video: What's on my iPhone 6 Plus!? | iJustine : Concepts > Software > Managing Software > Acquiring Software

Software Licensing Defines the permissions, rights, and restrictions assigned to the person who purchases a copy of software. A software license allows the owners of the software (their intellectual property) to define legal use of the software and exercise legal authority over its distribution and use. Software may be protected by a traditional license, may incorporate a more liberal license policy like Creative Commons or the General Public License (GPL), or may be freeware. Links: Video: Creative Commons - Get Creative Concepts > Software > Managing Software > Software Licensing

Installing Software The process by which software is added to a computer so it is available to use. Installing software on PCs, tablets, and smartphones is a common activity for computer users. Installing software allows computers to be customized to meet the user’s needs. All computer users should be familiar with the process. Links: Video: Windows 8 Installation Guide Concepts > Software > Managing Software > Installing Software

Maintaining Software Applying software updates to correct software bugs, improve the software, or add new features. To get the most out of your software investment, and to keep your computer safe and secure, it is wise to update both system software and application software as soon as updates are made available. Updates are provided by software companies in order to fix bugs, patch security holes, improve functionality, and add features. Updates to apps on tablets and smartphones are important as well. Concepts > Software > Managing Software > Maintaining Software

Uninstalling Software The process of completely removing software from a computer. Because installed software maintains a presence in many areas of an operating system, it is important to use proper procedures to remove all of it. Removing software requires a special process that deletes all files and references related to the software. The process varies slightly between computing platforms and mobile platforms. Concepts > Software > Managing Software > Uninstalling Software

Managing Software Terms Acquiring software Software licensing Copyright Creative Commons license Freeware Free software Open-source software GNU General Public License (GPL) Installing software Maintaining software Software patches Software bugs Uninstalling software Concepts > Software > Managing Software > See your eBook for more information about these terms